An estimated 120 million people in the nation are missing at least one of their teeth, according to statistics collected by the America College of Prosthodontists. Whether you’re missing one tooth or all of your teeth, having gaps in your smile can impact your day-to-day life and overall health, which is why replacing teeth that have been lost or extracted is so important. Dental implants are one of the latest additions to the dental world when it comes to restorative treatments, and they offer a wide array of benefits that can help you enjoy a healthier smile and body. Read on to learn how dental implants can impact your overall wellbeing.
What Makes Dental Implants Special?
Dental implants are unique in the fact that, unlike traditional restorative dental treatments, they replace the entire structure of missing teeth, including the roots. This not only helps them feel and look completely natural, but it also provides your restorations with a strong and durable foundation to be attached to. Plus, because they’re able to fuse with your jawbone, they’ll provide it with necessary stimulation and blood flow to keep it from eroding.
Medical Conditions Associated with Missing Teeth
Poor oral hygiene is a common result of missing teeth and has been linked to declining overall health. In fact, in studies published by Periodontology 2000 and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, researchers found that people who lost five or more teeth by the time they turned 65 were at a higher risk of suffering from a variety of medical conditions that could impact their life expectancy, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
The study also acknowledges that these medical conditions could be linked to other social determinants, like their quality of life and socioeconomic status as well, but these are also all intertwined with oral health. As a result of these studies, The Oral Health Foundation released a statement to encourage people to keep up with preventive checkups and cleanings every six months and be mindful of habits that could lead to tooth loss, like tobacco use.
The Health Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants in particular offers several health-specific benefits to patients that could allow them to lead healthier, longer lives, including:
- Protecting your smile from the threat of gum disease and the health risks associated with it by making brushing and flossing more effective and easier.
- Allowing you to eat a more well-balanced diet as a result of restorations that won’t slip or shift in your mouth, making it harder to chew certain foods.
- Improve your overall quality of life by boosting your self-confidence.
If you’re missing teeth and are looking to begin your journey towards improving your oral and overall health and wellbeing, the best first step you can take is to schedule a consultation to learn more about dental implants!
About the Author
Dr. Rick Cofer is a Texas native who graduated from Baylor School of Dentistry. He opened Premier Family Dental in 2012 with a mission to provide his patients in Waco with high-quality, modern dentistry that not only stands the test of time, but also looks aesthetically beautiful. He has completed advanced education to be able to perform the entire dental implant treatment in-house and is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. To schedule a consultation, visit Premier Family Dental’s website or call 254-732-0309.